Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeCanada42
translated the description, think it mentions the master died in 2004
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I think it ends the uncertainty: circa 1970-90 at the earliest. If the seller knew when the original owner lived in Japan, it would be helpful.
BTW, niello cannot serve as a dating instrument, just as the presence of brass cannot serve for the same purpose on Afghani weapons. Niello was used in Europe for centuries, and contemporary Caucasian jewellers are using it till now for the mass-produces silver elements of kindjal handles and scabbards. You can find tons of them on e-bay.
Moreover, it is not niello as your references show application of blackening to the silver elements in Korea. They put the “ substance” on some kind of adhesive tape and attach it to the object. Upon tape removal the parts of silver in contact with the substance become black. Real niello is a mix of sulphur, lead, silver and copper. The paste is applied and then fired. Modern chemistry simplified the process.
A very pretty knife you got. Enjoy it!